THE Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Alf Doran, has expressed his sincere thanks to everyone who gave a gift to this year's Christmas Appeal.

Hundreds of gifts and presents were donated to the annual Mayor's Christmas Gift Appeal which helps some of the borough's most deserving children.

They were dropped off at Southport and Bootle Town Halls by residents who kindly donated a present to those less fortunate.

The gifts were then distributed to underprivileged children throughout Sefton ahead of Christmas day by Sefton Children's Trust on behalf of the Mayor.

Cllr Doran said: "Since the launch of the Appeal in November, I was absolutely amazed with the response to the Gift Appeal as people's generosity was simply fantastic. Some of the toys left were fabulous.

"I would like to say a special thanks to all those who donated and made a real difference to the lives of young people across the whole of Sefton.

"Thanks must also go to those who gave up their precious time at such a busy period in the year to distribute the gifts.